Global Human Resource Management MSc
Subject and course type
- Business and management
- Postgraduate
Kingston University’s Global Human Resource Management MSc is designed for aspiring HR professionals who want to make a global impact. This CIPD accredited program is tailored to address the current and evolving needs of organisations worldwide.
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Lead, innovate and shape the future of Global Human Resource Management
Study how you can make a lasting impact in a global environment.
This postgraduate degree course is ideal if you want to develop a career in Human Resources.
During this course, you will gain the knowledge and practical skills in Human Resource Management (HRM) employers value most. You’ll develop ethical, evidence-based and inclusive leadership skills aligned with the CIPD Profession Map, preparing you for impactful global HR careers across sectors and borders.
The course combines global HR strategy, analytics and professional practice through block delivery, industry engagement and international guest speakers. You'll explore and challenge current HR approaches and consider their future through various lenses, with modules taught by both academics and experienced industry practitioners.
The Global Human Resource Management MSc fosters a strong community through activities like the 'Research to Practice' speaker series, webinars, podcasts and an annual online conference. Embrace excellent networking opportunities in the HR field, and find innovative and creative solutions to HR challenges today. Join a truly global, practice-driven programme shaping the future of the people profession.
The course's focus on real-world applications has been instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The lecturers were understanding and accommodating, making the transition smoother and more rewarding.
Why choose this course
Kingston University has over 30 years of experience in delivering high-quality Human Resource qualifications. We have designed this course in collaboration with HR professionals across multiple industries. In doing so, the course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global job market.
Kingston Business School is a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Approved Centre. This MSc course is CIPD-accredited and aligns with CIPD’s learning outcomes. As a result, graduates can start working towards Chartered status without additional training.
Strong industry connections and accreditation from professional bodies like CIPD ensure that students gain relevant, up-to-date expertise and clear pathways to professional certification.
In this course, teaching combines academic and industry expertise. Using innovative methods to make learning engaging and applicable to real world situations. Whilst studying you will also benefit from an industry-based coach who supports your professional growth. You’ll also benefit from insights from inspiring guest speakers representing a variety of sectors and organisations.
Additionally, Kingston Business School is accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). This distinction is earned by just 6% of business schools worldwide and recognises the high quality and standard of our business degrees.
Kingston Business School accreditation
Kingston Business School holds the prestigious international accreditation by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in recognition of the excellence of its business education. This accreditation has been earned by just 6% of the world's business schools. It recognises the high quality and standard of our business degree offerings.
Kingston Business School is a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Approved Centre and this MSc course is accredited by the CIPD. (Note: the MSc top up is not accredited).
The learning outcomes of this MSc programme are aligned to the CIPD's learning outcomes. This means that after successfully completing our masters you will be eligible to independently begin your journey, without the need to take extra training units, towards gaining Chartered status with the CIPD.
Ready for business
At Kingston Business School, we believe that professional success is shaped by honing your personal capacity and skillset, supported by the academic framework of knowledge. Through vocationally rich, employer-engaged and research-informed courses, we work alongside our students to help them meet personal goals and career ambitions.
Course content
The course is designed to build knowledge of current HR approaches and to explore, challenge and consider the future of each through various lens. With modules delivered by both academic and practitioners from industry, students are able to immerse themselves in how research and practise work together to find innovative and creative solutions to HR challenges today.
Modules
Students will take all the compulsory modules and select one optional module. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year or between teaching blocks.
Core modules
15 credits
This module provides the individual with an opportunity to explore, understand and reflect on themselves as part of their own development considering the skills required for business today and to support personal growth and development. This module will encourage individuals to find their own personal brand.
Sessions will provide individuals with a range of activities to challenge and grow including commercial and creative thinking, along with considering the impact of the golden threads (Diversity Equality & Inclusion, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Technology) on their own values, beliefs and professional skills.
Students will have access to external industry professionals, providing a mentoring opportunity during the period of this module to support their own individual journey.
15 credits
In this module, you will develop an understanding of data and its use within HR functions in providing insights and supporting business decisions.
You will explore how and why data can add value, before actively working with a variety of data to analyse information and present solutions that support HR business cases and answer workforce-focused questions.
You will be introduced to a range of quantitative and qualitative analytical methodologies and techniques, demonstrating in practice how data analytics can add value to an organisation.
30 credits
In this module, you will learn the importance of the candidate journey in today’s global talent market. You will explore how organisations plan their talent requirements, before examining attraction, recruitment, and onboarding approaches that support the development of inclusive and diverse workforces.
The module addresses contemporary issues including diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the use of technology, and equips you to critically appraise the suitability of different talent acquisition methods for a range of scenarios.
30 credits
This module provides insights and understanding into creating sustainable relationships and management of individuals within our organisations as hybrid working becomes more mainstream and workforces become more globally positioned. It considers how employee relations is a central part of creating diverse and inclusive workforces. It also connects to how we manage performance effectively and build successful teams to support organisational outcomes.
30 credits
This module develops an in depth understanding of how we develop and maintain engagement and motivation in our workforces today. Considering the impact of organisational culture towards various models and frameworks of engagement, the module then focuses on how HR can impact individuals' experiences through critically reviewing various contemporary concepts and practices.
30 credits
This module looks at the reasons for organisational development and change, considering how we can manage the process more effectively for success, exploring change models and the leadership//managerial skills required to support individuals.
This module then explores the behavioural science of change and the importance of this in today's evolving organisations. Working on a specific industry change project/case, there is practical application of applied learning through the requirement to critically review relevant literature and apply theoretical frameworks to address organisational or behavioural issues of the examined change.
15 credits
In this module, you will be introduced to the connection between organisational strategy and the HR function, and explore this relationship through a variety of perspectives, including the key themes of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), corporate social responsibility (CSR), and technology within organisations.
The module provides you with an understanding of the academic, strategic, and practical concepts that underpin this connection.
You will examine the strategic role of HR in organisations today, and the opportunities the function has to influence and shape organisational success through its roles and activities.
Optional modules
15 credits
This module offers students the opportunity to explore and understanding the importance of how organisational learning and development works in today's global organisations. Considering the perspectives of both the individual and the organisation it looks at how we learn and what inclusive approaches are best suited and available to support learning and development in an ever-changing environment or work today. It also looks at the developing areas of technology and the impact this is having on the approaches we are using.
15 credits
This module develops students' understanding of employee relations and employment law and of the economic, social and political context in which it develops. Focused primarily on UK law, but not exclusively, the module will give a sound knowledge of individual employment rights and an understanding of the application of the law in employment relations issues. It will enable students to advise managers in applying the law to specific problems and in proposing appropriate legal and HR policy measures to ensure compliance with the law, best practice and the effective management of the employment relationship.
15 credits
This module develops your critical understanding and appraisal of the fundamental principles, key frameworks, strategies, systems, and good practices of global compensation and reward.
You will examine the contribution of compensation and benefits to the achievement of HR and organisational strategies, reflecting on and discussing the programme’s key themes and the changing needs of both organisations and individuals.
Optional placement year
The professional placement year is optional. It takes place after the full-time year. It allows students to do a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The work placement is an assessed part of the course and is therefore covered by a Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Core modules
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement that follows completion of the first 180 credits of taught modules and project or dissertation. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject specific skills in their chosen subject.
It is the responsibility of individual students to locate and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this will normally involve one placement which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the module leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability.
Career opportunities
Upon completion, this postgraduate course will allow you to pursue a variety of careers HR, across various global industries, including;
- HR Manager
- HR Consultant
- Learning and Development Manager
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
The MSc Global Human Resource Management course embraces and develops the connections between academia and industry.
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), this course offers the first step towards achieving professional chartered status. Gain a headstart in your HR career by working with academics and industry practitioners who are at the forefront of global HRM issues.
Please note that the MSc top-up is not accredited.
As part of the MSc in Global Human Resource Management, we offer a range of optional modules to study. These modules provide the opportunity to learn about other areas of HR that may interest you. These include:
- Organisational Learning and Development
- Employment Law
- Total Reward Management
I really like the module content, hands-on approach to teaching and the chance to meet industry professionals at talks and networking events.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
Year 1: 22% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.
- Scheduled learning and teaching: 363 hours
- Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1287 hours
Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose:
- Year 1: coursework: 97%; practical: 3%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
The course is delivered through block delivery with 15-credit modules running over 4 days and 30-credit modules running over 8 days.
- Full time and part time (Kingston) – sessions will be split over a two-week period for 15-credit modules and a four-week period for 30-credit modules.
- Part time (Kingston) – sessions will be delivered Friday to Saturday / Sunday* on two consecutive weeks with four weeks between each teaching period
- Moscow part time – sessions will be delivered Saturday to Monday / Tuesday* with the first week face-to-face in RANEPA and the second week being online.
The elective modules are delivered in London in a four-day period in July each year with students from all three cohorts coming together for our annual Summer School.
*Please note that delivery days are subject to change.
Every day is filled with new training, research and activities, and I feel fully energised to kick-start my career in HR. Come with ambition, zeal to learn and a desire to explore the world. This University has so much to offer and can transform your life.
Fees and funding
| Fee Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | Full Time £13,500 |
| International | Full Time £19,700 |
| Fee Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | Full Time £13,500 |
| International | Full Time £19,700 |
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations: Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames and Norbiton.
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. Find out more through the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Global Human Resource Management MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
This scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees across a range of taught postgraduate courses. Learn more about eligibility criteria for Inspire the Future applicants.
If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.
We also offer discounts for Kingston University alumni.
Review our range of funding opportunities for masters-level study.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop-down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
For courses that select on application alone, applicants should normally receive an initial decision or a request for more information within four to six weeks of receipt of their application. Our admissions team will notify you of the decision by email.
Learn more about the postgraduate application process in detail.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
My experience on the MSc Global Human Resource Management course has been incredibly rewarding. After being out of school for over two decades and coming from a vastly different cultural background, I found the transition challenging and exciting.
The University's vibrant and diverse environment allowed me to meet new friends from various cultural backgrounds, each bringing unique insights and experiences to the table.
